THE FIRST Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, is to chair one of the opening events of Aberdeen's crime writing festival, Granite Noir.

Ms Sturgeon will chair an event with author Abir Mukherjee on 22 February at the Music Hall.

The event will explore the shared heritage of Scotland and Bengal.

Granite Noir is now entering its third year and several events have sold out.

Ms Sturgeon is known for being a keen reader and supporter of literature: she established the First Minister’s Reading Challenge in 2016.

Her appearance at Granite Noir follows on from recent appearances at Wigtown Book Festival and the Edinburgh International Book Festival in 2018.

Lesley Anne Rose, head of artistic development at Aberdeen Performing Arts, said: “Nicola Sturgeon is known for her passion for books as both an escape and as a window into other people’s lives.

"As a huge fan of crime fiction and the issues and debates these novels often confront, she promises to bring a fascinating discussion to the festival and we are delighted to welcome her to the line up.”

Other names at the festival include Stuart MacBride, who will be discussing his latest Logan Macrae novel.

Events will take place in city centre venues including The Lemon Tree, Aberdeen’s Central Library, The Belmont Filmhouse, The Music Hall, His Majesty’s Theatre and 1906 Restaurant.

Jane Spiers, chief executive, said: “Granite Noir returns for a third year with more events, more writers, more conversation and more venues.

"It’s quirky, inventive, it’s a festival designed for readers and writers alike and it takes us to far flung places."

www.aberdeenperformingarts.com

A CROWD-funding campaign has been launched for a new documentary film on the story of a small music school in East Harlem, New York, is being launched by a film-maker based in the Outer Hebrides.

‘Manna - Jazz & Survival in East Harlem’ is the work of journalist producer, Peter Urpeth, who lives and works on the Isle of Lewis in the Western isles.

The film tells the story of The Manna House Workshops in East Harlem, New York, and its founder, the singer Gloria DeNard.

Now aged 92 years, Gloria DeNard remains as the school’s director.

The documentary features interviews with Gloria DeNard, Kenwood Dennard, Bertha Hope, Cooper-Moore and others directly involved in The Manna House’s history, plus, interviews with leading Harlem writer, historian and activist, Herb Boyd.

Mr Urpeth said: "Interest has grown in the subject matter of this film, and sadly, events in US politics are proving timely for its purpose - and yet again communities face the rising scourge of discrimination. The lessons of the past need to be told and seen more than ever.”

The fund-raising campaign is hosted at:

www.Indiegogo.com

IMAGINATE and arts funders Creative Scotland are supporting a delegation of Scottish artists, producers and companies making work for young audiences at the International Performing Arts for Youth showcase event in Philadelphia, called IPAY 2019, from 15 January.

The delegation includes nineteen artists, producers and companies presenting work in Scotland, including Barrowland Ballet, Catherine Wheels, Curious Seed, Independent Arts Projects, Imaginate, Lyra, Licketysplit, Red Bridge Arts, Scottish Theatre Producers, Starcatchers, Visible Fictions and 21 Common.

The showcase programme of the festival includes a performance from Andy Cannon and Red Bridge Arts who will present Is This a Dagger? The Story of Macbeth.

Paul Fitzpatrick, chief executive of Imaginate, said: "Scotland is proud of its international reputation for producing artistically exciting and emotionally engaging theatre and dance for young audiences.

"IPAY is the key event to attend in order to access the North American market and is also a great place to exchange ideas and meet people working in all areas of the young audiences sector."

www.imaginate.org.uk.